Collection:LSA

Genre: Panel

Place Covered: New Orleans Region, Louisiana, 1989, 1980s

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Department of State

Date Issued: 2024-07-28

Duration: 00:20:44

Subjects: Orleans Parish (La.) | Juvenile courts | Family law | Child support enforcement

Contributors:

• Bigelow, Raymond Interviewee
• LaGarde, Lawrence Interviewee
• Clipper, Peggy Interviewee
• Hill, Angela Host

Angela Hill interviews a panel about the trouble guardians have with obtaining consistent child support for hundreds of thousands of children in Louisiana. The interviewees are attorney Raymond Bigelow, the Chief of the Child Support Division of the Orleans District Attorney's Office, Judge Lawrence LaGarde of the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, and Peggy Clipper, a mother of three struggling for years to receive consistent child support. Peggy explains her situation and shares that she has never received reliable support from her ex-husband even though he has a well-paying job. The attorney and judge discuss the process of entering the system to obtain payments and the punishments for not paying, including wage garnishment and prison time. They mention common excuses for a lack of payment including unemployment, obligation to other children, and other expenses. Audience members share their personal child support situations, including a grandparent that gets no support from either parent. Air date: September 19, 1989.